To: Holly

Dear Holly,

You are the strongest woman I have ever met. This was made apparent to me when you gave birth to both of our children (although, I knew it before). You fight tirelessly for this family. And you have conquered every foe.  You have worked for us and given you whole self to this family.

You are the smartest woman I have ever met. You have a head full of brains and reason. You have navigated this family financially and spiritually. You have helped me in everyway. I was making good money at Jamba Juice and you backed me up when I felt prompted to leave and go back to school. You have supported me in my schooling, work and my calling (even though these things often leave you as a single parent seven days a week). You have given me great council in my various roles in life.

When we first met I had no idea that I would be lucky enough to call you “mine”. I didn’t even have an inkling of a notion that we would be together. And even when we started dating I didn’t realize how much I needed you or what I could become with you. My whole time knowing you has been a learning process of looking back and realizing that I am less “me” and more “us”.

I was talking with some of the residents today about when you know that you love somebody. And I told them that the moment I knew was I stood across from you in my parents’ living room and we were saying our vows. I felt like we were the only people in the world, just you and me. That is when I knew.

I love you and I want you to know that without you I wouldn’t be the man I am today. All of my accomplishments are really your accomplishments.

Evan.

P.S. I would have put pictures but I'm not sure how.